A/n- Wow, two dozen chapters... I really had no idea this was going to get so long. o_0

Disclaimer- All you pesky lawyers can big off, as nothing belongs to me.

Rating- PG-13 as I'm going to swear, most likely...

Chapter Keywords- Animagism, Romolus and Shelly, various skits involving whatever I feel like adding in. (XP) .



Seeing Grey - Part XXIV - Bittersweet




Get on with it already, we've been waiting three years for the love of God. Sirius snapped, watching James take in a deep breath as he crouched down on all fours. The four (Peter had arrived early in the morning) were in the middle of James' private half-sized Quidditch pitch, surrounded by a protective fence of trees.

Alright... Here goes nothing.

It was very different from watching Sirius transform. Sirius had been very quick and ungraceful in his change, while James was everything but. In a few short moments, the entire of James' appearance had been replaced by that of a beautiful white deer.

Sirius blinked, gapping at the sight. Way to go James!

Remus nodded dumbly, face stuck in a goofy smile, eyes locked upon the creature. He wasn't very large at all for a deer, judging by the ones Caleb brought home, but he was... Magnificent.

I can't believe you guys really did this... he muttered after a moment.

Have a little faith in us. We are the Marauders. Sirius said with a smirk, shoving Peter forward.

Alright, you next.

Do I have to? he mumbled, biting his lip to the point of bleeding. Peter kept his eyes locked down on his feet, hands pulling at his shirt nervously.

Don't be a git. Just go. James said a moment later, turning back into himself in a very quick movement. He brushed a bit of grass off himself, and smiled.

We're not going to laugh or anything. Besides, I've seen it before.

They'll laugh at me...

I won't laugh. Remus said brightly, shrugging. Sirius shoved Peter forward again, and the three formed a little semicircle around him.

Come on, just do it.

he groaned, pursing his lips as he kneeled down. Peter was horrible at it, Remus noted, as it took him the better part of five minutes just to stay transformed. He kept flickering between his two forms, and when he finally did manage, he had to fight down a burst of laughter.

Sirius, on the other hand, showed no such restraint.

Oh my Lord, he's a RAT! Of all things.... he cackled, rolling on the ground. James rolled his eyes, and kicked Sirius in the gut.

Shut the hell up, alright? he snapped, showing a side he rarely did. On the ground, Peter the Rat crinkled his nose, and ran up to James.

Don't mind him, he isn't worth the bother. James assured, picking him up.

At least you'll be useful, a lot more than me or Sirius. he added.

How... So? Sirius asked between fits of laughter.

He's small, and can hide in very little places. We can't exactly wander Hogwarts, we're far too large. Peter could fit in spaces we'd never be able to reach.

The little brown and stubby rat perked up, and twitched his whiskers importantly. Remus nodded his head, smiling in amusement. The way he was flicking his bare tail reminded him of a worm...

he mused to himself.



Wormtail... Look, his tail, it looks exactly like a chubby little night crawler. Remus pointed out.

Hey, that'd work as a nickname. Wormtail. Sirius sid after a moment, as his entertainment died down. Ha... Yeah, that fits. And you're Moony, you know.

What about me, and you? James asked, chuckling as Peter tried to show his disapproval. He slid down James leg and tumbled across the patch of grass, trying to change back to his human self to no avail. Squeaking furiously, he tried his hardest to tell them he hated the name.

How about Prongs? Remus suggested, and James grinned.

Moony, Wormtail and Prongs. he said to himself, testing the sound of it. Sirius needs a name too.

We'll think of something.

Remus smiled, and plucked the squeaking rat from the ground, dangling him by the tail.

I think he's stuck.

This could be fun... Sirius said to himself, grinning ear to ear.



Moony,

Would you want to come stay up here for a bit? Shelly's family is having a small get together, and they keep asking if you're coming or not. So make it up, alright? This Saturday, we can arrange the Floo if you need transport. Write me back ASAP so we can be sure to buy double food.

Have fun,

Rom



Rom, what, pre tell, is this? Remus asked with a smirk, producing the little black box. His brother dropped a basket of laundry he was going to go do, and turned around slowly.

Uh, nothing? he tried with a guilty smile.

You didn't ask her yet? Remus blurted out, slightly amazed. Romolus shut the door, bit his lip, and shrugged.

You are a complete and utter wuss. Remus concluded, looking at the little ring, shaking his head. I mean, you're a Gryffindor for God's sake, and you know she's going to say yes. So what the hell's the hold up?



You can't be serious... Rom, she isn't going to refuse.

What if she does? he asked quietly, looking away sharply. Rolling his eyes, Remus thrust the little velvet box in his brothers hand, and pulled him down the stairs.

You should know by now you aren't going to get away from me. he mused aloud, dragging him into the living room.

Oh, I thought you were cleaning up... Shelly said with an odd look. Remus frowned, and put a hand on his brothers shoulder, shoving him into a kneeling position. With a smirk, he pinched him on the back of the neck, and took a step back. Shelly raised an eyebrow, and tried to word a sentence together.

What... I....

Romolus looked back, and received a sharp glare from his brother. Taking in a long breath, he uncurled his hand, and popped the little box open.

Er... Shell, will you... Er... Will you... God this is impossible... Um, do you want... Uh... Marry me?

She leapt forward, and devoured him in a massive hug. Grandpa Hellen, who had been sitting on his recliner watching television the whole time, started hooting and clapping excitedly, while Remus burst out laughing. Shelly's parents wandered their way in, wondering what the commotion was all about.

Ah Shelly, good for you! Mr. Hellen said, grinning maniacally at Romolus. Mrs. Hellen bit her lip, eyes going very leaky.

Sarah, don't get all emotional... Besides, you should have known for ages.

Dad, be quiet. she snapped, and then went right back to crying. My little girl...



Remus stood off at a distance, not wanting to ruin the moment. With an almost sad sort of sigh, he leaned against the door frame, and slipped back to the guest room.


Romolus didn't come up for quite some time, and when he did, he was frowning deeply.

I'll never understand you. Remus said, rolling his eyes. You get pissed because you dont have the guts to propose, and then you do, and now you're still pissed.

What about you? he said in a small voice after a long pause.

Oh, nuts to me. This is your life, and your engagement. So when are you two going to marry anyway? Remus asked with a smile, changing the subject. Romolus, slightly nervous from the days events, started to fold clothes and obsessively organize a desk of pictures.

Probably in August, maybe on the fifth. It's her birthday then. he mumbled.

Remus said offhand.



Have the wedding on the twelth.

Might I ask why?

Just... Trust me. he said. Shaking his head to himself, he wondered why he had even said that.

Alright... Well, anyway... Thanks. he said. For making me go down there. By the time I would have done it myself Shelly would have married someone else.

Very true. And no problem, really. Besides, I can't go letting you disgrace the Lupin name.

Oh, and as if you haven't already? I hear you've set a detention record, and you're only two years in. Street word says you and those friends of yours are the biggest problem to hit Hogwarts in all its days.

And proud of it. Remus said with a grin.

Good, you haven't changed a bit.



Guys, I really don't think this is a good idea. Remus muttered. The four of the were camping out in a tent, a Muggle one, in the middle of James' property. He looked up to the dying sun, and bit his lip. It might not work.

Have a little faith in us. James said with a sigh, having heard the complaints for the past few hours. Look, if it'll make you feel better, we'll leave, and come back.

That'd be worse. I could escape and... He closed his eyes, and shivered.

I'll stay. Sirius said suddenly, turning his lantern on. As the dog, so when he transforms, we could communicate. I mean, dogs and wolves can speak, right? It's worth a shot. And anyway, I'm big enough to keep him in line so he can't get away.

My God, you actually produced an intelligent idea. Peter joked, James chuckling a moment later.

That okay with you? Remus nodded, and let out a small sigh.

It's too late for me to head back to the cabin anyway. You should get going, the moon's going to come up really soon...

Sirius laid back on the grass, having thought Remus would tear the tent up when he went wolf. For a while they stayed in silence, gazing up at the colourful sky. Finally, Remus muttered that the moon would be out soon, and he should transform.

I still can't believe you actually did it. he said, and Sirius' black ears perked forward, his eyes questioning.

I can talk to you, don't freak out... I'm a werewolf, I know the language of my own once-a-month species. he said, and the dog relaxed a little.

Can...

Remus chuckled at the unpracticed bark, and smiled.

Yes, I can hear you. he said slowly, and Sirius the Dog wagged his tail.

See, you'll catch on. Most of the canine language is body movements anyway, you'll figure it out.

Could be useful, us talking.

How so? he asked, and Sirius rolled over on his back playfully.

The rest of us, can talk. Part of the... Spell. Sirius tried, trying to figure out how to speak in his new form. Again, he flipped his tail back and forth, proud with his accomplishments. This way I can pass words to them. From you.

Oh, I get it. You three will be able to use a form of telepathy? Sirius let out a conclusive bark, and bobbed his head in a nod. So you can translate for me... That is, if I'm human at all. he muttered, and shut his eyes. Sirius scooted up next to him, resting his head across his thigh supportively, tail going a mile a minute.

I blank out when I transform, I can barely remember anything I do at night. While I'm like that, I have no control over myself. If... If I attack you, please don't take it offensively.

Won't. I tell them too.

Thank you... he said weakly, throat tightening. Sirius lifted his head up, took a few steps backwards, tail between his legs.

Happen?

Please... Please go away! Remus managed to yell out, loosing control of himself. The clouds above started to blow away, letting faded rays of the moon fall down across the manner fields. Go! Don't... Watch.

The dog barked once, and paced forward apprehensively. Remus was on all fours, crouched up in an almost fetal position, hugging his knee's.

Go... Please go. he said, trying to fight back as long as he could. Sirius nudged his wet nose under is friends chin, and bobbed his head up.

Stick together, I won't leave.

Please don't... Watch.

Not scared, you're my friend. Wont leave you alone anymore...

Breathing in strangled gasps, Remus opened his wide and bloodshot eyes, his body searing into another.

It's alright. I wont leave.



Alright?

The dusty grey wolf let out a soft whimper, leg scratching at his back painfully. The massive black dog, slightly larger than his friend, advanced a step, and waited for a reaction. For a moment the wolf growled, and then his ears perked up, and he twitched all over.

You alright? he asked again, nudging the wolf and rolling him over. Two desolate grey eyes stared up into his own, making the dog want to shiver. A second later, they blinked, and swirled.

This is... Too amazing. I'm still myself, completely. the wolf mumbled, whimpering as he staggered to his feet. If I fight... I can be me.

Sirius stared wagging his tail again, and leaned against his friend in an offering of support. Neat.

I still think this is a horrible idea, and I swear to God, if I even attempt to hurt any of you... Just bite me as hard as you can.

Couldn't do that to you.

Look, I'm asking you to. I might lose myself, and I don't want to hurt anyone.


All night, they roamed about, laughing with each other and chasing after rabbits, no intentions of hurting anything. Wormtail rode along James' immature rack of antlers, Sirius skipped along through the woods, Prongs galloping steadily nearby.

Isn't this better than locked up? Sirius barked.

You don't even know... Thank you. For... Everything.

Not a problem.



When he awoke the next morning as his human self, he was afraid that everything had been a wonderful dream. But the massive black dog asleep next to him told otherwise, and he relaxed. There were no scratches, or injuries to himself, and he didn't hurt as much as he usually did after. His heart was at ease, for once in his life. For a brief little speck in time, he was content with himself, and didn't worry about his curse.



Come on Peter, this doesn't work if you won't play. Sirius grumbled, broom over his shoulder.

But I'm terrible. Every time you drag me up on a broom I end up breaking something I'd rather not...

Stop being a wimp and just play for God's love. James snapped, wanting very much to have another Chaser. It won't be much fun at all if there are only three of us.

Peter rolled his eyes in a depressing manner, and mounted the spare broom ruefully.

I swear to God, some day they'll regret pushing me around. he muttered to himself, Remus catching a brief part.

Not Harry, not Harry, please not Harry!

Stand aside you silly girl...

Not Harry, please no, take me, kill me instead-

Shaking his head and wishing he didn't have ridiculous daydreams, he rose into the air, and took place as Keeper near the three-quarter sized hoops.

he called out, gripping to his broom handle.



I still don't get it. Sirius said thoughtfully. James and Peter were off in other rooms, sleeping away their afternoon. Sirius had woken up very early for a change, and found Remus with his nose buried in an old, and slightly molding journal. For over an hour they had been sharing their opinions on Cor's study, most of which was Remus attempting to explain some things.

Look, you just can't understand. he snapped after a moment. Sirius held back his words, and looked around.

I can try, can't I?



Sunday, October twelfth, nineteen four,

I believe the cycle has broken at long last. Now, and possibly forever more, there shall be no pain. As long as I am in the company of understanding fellows, no pain such as my plight can befall me. They still seek a cure, but alas, I have found the only cure, the true cure.

A kind heart.





A/n- Sorry for the short chappie. Next ones will be longer and quicker out, so sorry for delays... All feedback, of any sort, is welcome!


Iggie